Charlie and the Chocolate Factory | Chapter 9 : Grandpa Joe Takes a Gamble | Summary

Summary

When Charlie comes home from school the next day, Grandpa Joe is the only grandparent who's awake. He whispers to Charlie that he's been hoarding a dime and wants Charlie to spend it on another Wonka candy bar. Charlie protests, but his grandfather insists, "I'm just as crazy as you are to find that ticket!" So Charlie steals out of the house, buys a candy bar, and comes back.

Charlie sits close to Grandpa Joe so they can open the bar together. Giggling nervously, they remind each other there's no chance this bar will contain a Golden Ticket. Then Grandpa Joe opens the wrapper—and there's a plain candy bar inside with no ticket.

Charlie and Grandpa stare at the bar for a second and then burst into peals of laughter.

Analysis

This chapter makes it clear that Grandpa Joe has as much spirit and enthusiasm as any child. Dahl has given the reader no insights into the personalities of the other Bucket family members, but Grandpa Joe is a firecracker. He seems to have more energy than either of Charlie's parents.

Once again Dahl spins out the suspense as far as possible. How can this second candy bar not contain a Golden Ticket? Charlie's birthday candy bar didn't have one, and Charlie has to get to the factory somehow! Dahl adds welcome variety to this second scene of disappointment when Charlie and his grandfather realize the humor of what's just happened. Still, children may be starting to worry that perhaps Charlie will never be blessed with the good luck he deserves.